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Celebrating 40 years of Adventure

First Drive in the Shorty 40

First Drive in the Shorty 40

Since being the star attraction on the ARB stand at this year’s Explore Australia Expo in Melbourne, the Shorty 40 hasn’t been shown a lot of love. So, with the sun shining, we thought it was long overdue to give the old girl a run.

Our destination? The beautiful little town of Monbulk, about 30 minutes drive from ARB HQ, to hand the keys over to trusted mechanic and former ARB workshop manager, Ian Bailey. With Ian having meticulously overhauled the ARB Dakar 60 Series many years ago, there’s no one better to give the 40 a new lease on life.

So, what’s it like to drive? Well, according to ARB marketing team member, David Kirby, “She’s a bit of a handful from cold, but once you get the 40 warmed and out on the open road, it’s hard not to feel just a touch nostalgic. The vehicle is a real head turner, and driving around town feels like a proper occasion.”